Alternative Markets Comes to St Ives’ Edward Hain Centre

A market promising crystals, candles, Tarot readings and folklore goods is heading to St Ives for the first time, and getting in won’t cost a penny.

On Saturday 27th June, from 11AM to 4PM, the Alternative Markets will make their first St Ives appearance at the Edward Hain Centre. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

What’s on offer

As the name suggests, the Alternative Markets leans into the unusual. Stalls will sell an interesting and often quirky variety of items, along with unique crafts made by independent creators. That covers everything from crystals and candles to Tarot readings and teddy bears, plus vintage clothing, accessories, folklore-themed goods and more.

As always at Edward Hain Centre events, food and drink will be available to buy on the day. Expect cakes, cookies and tea or coffee, as well as savoury snacks, soft drinks and water. The Centre is also running a £50 cash prize raffle, with the winning ticket announced shortly before the market closes at 4PM.

From Bristol to Bodmin to St Ives

Formerly known as the Bristol Markets, the Alternative Markets is an inclusive, friendly organisation that arranges pop-up markets across the southwest and south coast. Their recent market in Bodmin, their first Cornwall event, was a big success. The 27th June event will be their first in St Ives, and the Edward Hain Centre team are thrilled to be hosting it.

Edward Hain Centre trustee Kit Grindstaff said the news struck a personal chord. “As soon as I heard about them coming to the Centre, it brought back the excitement of all the markets I loved scouring in my teens and twenties, mainly looking for vintage clothing and housewares.”

Given St Ives’ artisanal and musical ethos, Kit reckons local people of all ages will enjoy the day. She thinks the Markets’ tagline for would-be traders applies to just about anyone: “If you’d feel a bit out of place at a traditional village craft fayre, we’re your jam!”

The organisers put it like this: “It’s a real pleasure to be bringing the magic down there in 2026.”

Information for traders

Anyone interested in holding a stall should apply direct with the Alternative Markets as event organisers, via their application form. To get a sense of the kind of traders who have featured at previous events, open this document and scroll down to the heading “Trader Type Info.”